Carnival headed for Steamboat

Event to raise money for fairground improvements

Steamboat Springs  The Routt County Fair Board Association and the Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. is planning a four-day carnival in Steamboat Springs to raise money for an indoor arena at the Routt County Fairgrounds.

From June 7-10, the association and ski corp. have planned for Brown's Amusement Inc. to operate a carnival in the Meadow's parking lot at Pine Grove and Mount Werner roads in Steamboat Springs.

"We are very excited about the carnival," said Brita Horn, the association's treasurer. "It will be a fun event."

The amusement company has agreed to stop in Steamboat Springs for the four days as it travels between Baggs, Wyo., and Glenwood Springs.

The company is planning to bring between 14 and 16 amusement rides, numerous games and concession stands.

"There have been small carnivals and circuses that have gone over well in Steamboat Springs," Routt County Commissioner Nancy Stahoviak said. "The carnival gives families something different to do with their children. Hopefully it will go over well."

Ski corp. is donating the use of the parking lot.

"The carnival will take up the whole 6,000 square feet," Horn said.

The association plans on using the proceeds of the carnival to fund the construction of a new indoor facility slated for the fairgrounds in Hayden.

"We have about 99 percent of the funds to purchase the building," Horn said. "Now, we need funds to put it up.

"We are trying to get as much money as we can for our new livestock building."

The cost of the construction of the building is a little less than $500,000.

The association believes a new building is needed at the fairgrounds to host expositions, horse and livestock shows, clinics, workshops, rodeos, ropings and entertainment throughout the year.

"This building will make the fairgrounds a full-season facility," she said. "The fair is a great program, and we can add more to it."

The building will have stalls for more than 350 head of sheep, swine, goats and llamas and 70 head of cattle, along with two show rings.

The association also believes the building could hold the Junior Livestock Sale during the county fair and rodeo.

The carnival is just one of many fund-raising campaigns for the indoor arena.

The 4-H Club plans to sell tickets for a drawing to win a four-door truck. Tickets will be sold starting Friday.

The students hope to raise $50,000 in the drawing for the Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. The drawing also will include a trip to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

The tickets will cost $100, and 600 will be sold.

The students are also selling "wildlife blocks" for $10. The blocks can be set out in the yard for elk, deer, birds and squirrels.

"I feel the fair board and the

4-H Club are being proactive to raise money for the building," she said. "This is going to be an ongoing process."